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Bargain reached with driver in fatal hit-and-run

Mar 19, 2013 - Staff

The state has reached a plea agreement with Alma Louise Mosho, 33, of Fort Hall, Idaho, who was charged in December in a fatal hit-and-run collision at the ...

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The state has reached a plea agreement with Alma Louise Mosho, 33, of Fort Hall, Idaho, who was charged in December in a fatal hit-and-run collision at the Rezeride Roadhouse Saloon west of Kinnear.
Officials said Michelle Littleshield, 35, of St. Stephen's, died at about 2 a.m. Dec. 3 of blunt- force trauma from the crash in the Rezeride parking lot. Another woman was injured.
Witnesses at the scene described Mosho's silver Nissan car as being involved, and a Wind River Police Department officer pulled the vehicle over on Wyoming Highway 132 about 20 minutes after the incident.
The officer said Mosho was the sole occupant and operator of the car, which bore damage consistent with reports from witnesses at the Rezeride. The WRPD arrested Mosho at that time for driving under the influence of alcohol, but she was extradited from the Wind River Indian Reservation the next day.
Mosho pleaded not guilty last month to two charges of aggravated homicide by vehicle. The first count alleged that she committed the crime while driving a vehicle recklessly; the second count alleged that she committed the crime while under the influence of alcohol. Her bond was set at $50,000.
Plea deal
According to the agreement, which was filed March 13, Mosho now will plead guilty to aggravated homicide by vehicle -- a felony punishable by imprisonment of not more than 20 years -- and to driving or having control of a vehicle while under the influence -- a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than six month, a fine of not more than $750, or both.
In return, the state will ask for a sentence of 10-20 years for the aggravated homicide by vehicle charge.
For driving under the influence, the state will be satisfied with a sentence of time served. Mosho is free to argue for any sentence she deems appropriate, however.
A change of plea hearing has not yet been set, but Mosho has waived her right to a speedy trial through the plea agreement.
If either she or the state fails to abide by the terms of the agreement, the document becomes null and void, Mosho can withdraw her plea, and the state can proceed with prosecution of all charges against her. If she fails to abide by her bond, she may not withdraw her plea, but the agreement becomes null and void, and the state can proceed to sentencing.
If the court rejects the agreement, Mosho can withdraw her plea and the state can proceed with the prosecution of all charges.